joachimhuber91
Check Engine Light After Service on Audi RSQ3
Summary of the thread
After a service, the check engine light appeared on a 2016 Audi RSQ3, with an error message indicating incomplete system readiness checks. This is a common issue where the car's diagnostics need several drive cycles to reset, involving varied driving conditions. The problem typically resolves itself after normal driving, as the onboard diagnostics system completes its self-checks. If the issue persists beyond a few days, a diagnostic scan can confirm the absence of actual faults, as was the case here, where the light turned off after additional driving.
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4 comment(s)
joachimhuber91 (community.author)
Exactly the same happened to my RSQ3 last month. OBD readiness status took about 4 days of normal driving to clear up completely. The computer reset process was a bit annoying with the warning lights, but everything went back to normal after completing several drive cycles. Did the check engine light eventually clear up for you? Also curious about the repair costs if you went back to have it checked, would help to know for future reference if something similar happens again.
TobiM
Yes, the check engine light cleared up after completing the needed drive cycles. No repair costs were involved since this was just the onboard diagnostics system resetting itself, a normal process after service work. The warning lights and system readiness messages disappeared completely after about 5 days of regular driving. When I first saw the lights, I connected an OBD2 scanner just to verify it was only readiness-related. The diagnostic scan confirmed no actual fault codes were present, just incomplete monitoring status. Its good to hear your RSQ3 also returned to normal operation. These modern engine management systems are quite sensitive and need time to complete their self-checks after any disconnect. The computer reset process can seem concerning with all the warning indicators, but its actually protecting the engine by ensuring all systems are properly monitored. For anyone else reading: this is typically not a repair issue requiring a mechanic visit. The key is allowing enough varied driving for all onboard diagnostic monitors to complete their tests.
joachimhuber91 (community.author)
Thanks for the helpful replies everyone. Just wanted to share how this ended up getting resolved in my case. I took the car to my mechanic last week because the check engine light was still on. They did a full car diagnostics scan and found it was exactly what you all mentioned, just incomplete system checks after the service work. The mechanic plugged in their professional diagnostic tool and confirmed no actual engine or exhaust system problems. Total cost was 85 Euro for the inspection. They suggested I just needed to drive normally for a few more days to let all the monitors complete their tests. After about 3 more days of regular driving, mix of city and highway, the check engine light finally turned off. The computer reset process took longer than expected but everything is working perfectly now. No more warning messages in the display and the system readiness checks are all complete. Really appreciate the advice about being patient with the drive cycles. Saved me from worrying too much about potential serious issues.
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AUDI
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RSQ3
TobiM
This is a common occurrence after service work. Car diagnostics often need a complete drive cycle to reset properly. My 2019 Audi RS3 had the same behavior after routine maintenance. The onboard diagnostics system requires specific conditions to complete all readiness monitors. These typically include: 20-30 minutes of mixed driving, At least one cold start, Highway speed segments, City driving with stops The check engine light and message are likely just indicating incomplete system checks rather than actual problems. This happens because when mechanics disconnect the battery or clear codes during service, all readiness monitors reset to not ready. However, this could be relevant if you need an emissions test soon, as incomplete readiness monitors typically cause automatic test failures. Most areas require all or most monitors to be complete before passing. If the lights and messages persist after 3-4 normal driving cycles (about 50-100km of varied driving), then returning to the shop would be warranted for a thorough exhaust system and sensor check. Based on repair experience, this is generally not a serious issue, just the car's computers relearning normal operating parameters.